Red Dragons
Red Dragon Wyrmling
- Size: Medium
- Type: Dragon (Chromatic)
- Alignment: Chaotic Evil
- AC: 17
- Initiative: +2 (12)
- HP: 75(10d8+30)
- Speed: 30 ft, Climb 30 ft., Fly 60 ft.
| ATTR | VAL | MOD | SAVE |
|---|---|---|---|
| STR | 19 | +4 | +4 |
| DEX | 10 | +0 | +2 |
| CON | 17 | +3 | +3 |
| INT | 12 | +1 | +1 |
| WIS | 11 | +0 | +2 |
| CHA | 15 | +2 | +2 |
- Skills: Perception +4, Stealth +2
- Immunities: Fire
- Senses: Blindsight 10 ft., Darkvision 60 ft.; Passive Perception 14
- Languages: Draconic
- CR: 4 (XP 1,100; PB +2)
Actions
Multiattack. The dragon makes two Rend attacks.
Rend. Melee Attack Roll: +6, reach 5 ft. Hit: 9 (1d10+4) Slashing damage plus 3 (1d6) Fire damage.
Fire Breath (Recharge 5-6). Dexterity Saving Throw: DC 13, each creature in a 15-foot Cone. Failure: 24 (7d6) Fire damage. Success: Half damage.
Young Red Dragon
- Size: Large
- Type: Dragon (Chromatic)
- Alignment: Chaotic Evil
- AC: 18
- Initiative: +4 (14)
- HP: 178(17d10+85)
- Speed: 40 ft, Climb 40 ft., Fly 80 ft.
| ATTR | VAL | MOD | SAVE |
|---|---|---|---|
| STR | 23 | +6 | +6 |
| DEX | 10 | +0 | +4 |
| CON | 21 | +5 | +5 |
| INT | 14 | +2 | +2 |
| WIS | 11 | +0 | +4 |
| CHA | 19 | +4 | +4 |
- Skills: Perception +8, Stealth +4
- Immunities: Fire
- Senses: Blindsight 30 ft., Darkvision 120 ft.; Passive Perception 18
- Languages: Common, Draconic
- CR: 10 (XP 5,900; PB +4)
Actions
Multiattack. The dragon makes three Rend attacks.
Rend. Melee Attack Roll: +10, reach 10 ft. Hit: 13 (2d6+6) Slashing damage plus 3 (1d6) Fire damage.
Fire Breath (Recharge 5-6). Dexterity Saving Throw: DC 17, each creature in a 30-foot Cone. Failure: 56 (16d6) Fire damage. Success: Half damage.
Adult Red Dragon
- Size: Huge
- Type: Dragon (Chromatic)
- Alignment: Chaotic Evil
- AC: 19
- Initiative: +12 (22)
- HP: 256(19d12+133)
- Speed: 40 ft, Climb 40 ft., Fly 80 ft.
| ATTR | VAL | MOD | SAVE |
|---|---|---|---|
| STR | 27 | +8 | +8 |
| DEX | 10 | +0 | +6 |
| CON | 25 | +7 | +7 |
| INT | 16 | +3 | +3 |
| WIS | 13 | +1 | +7 |
| CHA | 23 | +6 | +6 |
- Skills: Perception +13, Stealth +6
- Immunities: Fire
- Senses: Blindsight 60 ft., Darkvision 120 ft.; Passive Perception 23
- Languages: Common, Draconic
- CR: 17 (XP 18,000, or 20,000 in lair; PB +6)
Traits
Legendary Resistance (3/Day, or 4/Day in Lair). If the dragon fails a saving throw, it can choose to succeed instead.
Actions
Multiattack. The dragon makes three Rend attacks. It can replace one attack with a use of Spellcasting to cast Scorching Ray.
Rend. Melee Attack Roll: +14, reach 10 ft. Hit: 13 (1d10+8) Slashing damage plus 5 (2d4) Fire damage.
Fire Breath (Recharge 5-6). Dexterity Saving Throw: DC 21, each creature in a 60-foot Cone. Failure: 59 (17d6) Fire damage. Success: Half damage.
Spellcasting. The dragon casts one of the following spells, requiring no Material components and using Charisma as the spellcasting ability (spell save DC 20, +12 to hit with spell attacks):
At Will: Command (level 2 version), Detect Magic, Scorching Ray
1/Day: Fireball
Legendary Actions
Legendary Action Uses: 3 (4 in Lair). Immediately after another creature's turn, the dragon can expend a use to take one of the following actions. The dragon regains all expended uses at the start of each of its turns.
Commanding Presence. The dragon uses Spellcasting to cast Command (level 2 version). The dragon can't take this action again until the start of its next turn.
Fiery Rays. The dragon uses Spellcasting to cast Scorching Ray. The dragon can't take this action again until the start of its next turn.
Pounce. The dragon moves up to half its Speed, and it makes one Rend attack.
Ancient Red Dragon
- Size: Gargantuan
- Type: Dragon (Chromatic)
- Alignment: Chaotic Evil
- AC: 22
- Initiative: +14 (24)
- HP: 546(28d20+252)
- Speed: 40 ft, Climb 40 ft., Fly 80 ft.
| ATTR | VAL | MOD | SAVE |
|---|---|---|---|
| STR | 30 | +10 | +10 |
| DEX | 10 | +0 | +7 |
| CON | 29 | +9 | +9 |
| INT | 18 | +4 | +4 |
| WIS | 15 | +2 | +9 |
| CHA | 27 | +8 | +8 |
- Skills: Perception +16, Stealth +7
- Immunities: Fire
- Senses: Blindsight 60 ft., Darkvision 120 ft.; Passive Perception 26
- Languages: Common, Draconic
- CR: 24 (XP 62,000, or 75,000 in lair; PB +7)
Traits
Legendary Resistance (4/Day, or 5/Day in Lair). If the dragon fails a saving throw, it can choose to succeed instead.
Actions
Multiattack. The dragon makes three Rend attacks. It can replace one attack with a use of Spellcasting to cast Scorching Ray (level 3 version).
Rend. Melee Attack Roll: +17, reach 15 ft. Hit: 19 (2d8+10) Slashing damage plus 10 (3d6) Fire damage.
Fire Breath (Recharge 5-6). Dexterity Saving Throw: DC 24, each creature in a 90-foot Cone. Failure: 91 (26d6) Fire damage. Success: Half damage.
Spellcasting. The dragon casts one of the following spells, requiring no Material components and using Charisma as the spellcasting ability (spell save DC 23, +15 to hit with spell attacks):
At Will: Command (level 2 version), Detect Magic, Scorching Ray (level 3 version)
1/Day Each: Fireball (level 6 version), Scrying
Legendary Actions
Legendary Action Uses: 3 (4 in Lair). Immediately after another creature's turn, the dragon can expend a use to take one of the following actions. The dragon regains all expended uses at the start of each of its turns.
Commanding Presence. The dragon uses Spellcasting to cast Command (level 2 version). The dragon can't take this action again until the start of its next turn.
Fiery Rays. The dragon uses Spellcasting to cast Scorching Ray (level 3 version). The dragon can't take this action again until the start of its next turn.
Pounce. The dragon moves up to half its Speed, and it makes one Rend attack.
Lore & Background
Red dragons are the most covetous and arrogant of all chromatic dragons, embodying the destructive power of fire and the insatiable greed that drives all dragonkind. These massive creatures consider themselves the apex of draconic evolution and believe that all other creatures exist solely to serve their needs or provide entertainment. Red dragons prefer to make their lairs in mountainous regions, particularly near volcanic activity that complements their fiery nature.
These ancient beings are master manipulators who delight in schemes that span centuries, often playing different factions against each other for their own amusement. Red dragons view their hoards not just as wealth, but as symbols of their power and dominance over lesser creatures.
Combat Tactics
Red dragons use their devastating fire breath and flight to control the battlefield, often beginning combat from the air before landing to use their physical attacks. They combine their natural weapons with powerful spellcasting abilities, preferring to dominate enemies through overwhelming force.
Encounter Ideas
Mountain Tyrant: A red dragon rules over a region from its volcanic lair, demanding tribute. Ancient Schemes: A red dragon manipulates political events to further its own goals. Territorial War: A red dragon conflicts with other powerful creatures over prime territory. Draconic Legacy: Heroes must deal with the consequences of an ancient red dragon's actions.
Environmental Effects
Red dragon presence transforms the landscape around their lairs, creating areas of intense heat, volcanic activity, and desolation. Plants wither and die, while the very air shimmers with heat.
Treasure
Red dragons possess vast hoards of treasure accumulated over centuries, including gold, gems, magical items, and artifacts of incredible power. They know the history and properties of every item in their collection.
Plot Hooks
The Dragon's Bargain: A red dragon offers aid against a greater threat in exchange for tribute. Hoard Heist: Heroes must steal a specific item from a red dragon's treasure hoard. Draconic Politics: A red dragon seeks to establish dominance over other dragons in the region. Ancient Prophecy: A red dragon's actions are tied to an apocalyptic prophecy that heroes must prevent.
Lore & Background
Red dragons are the epitome of draconic greed, cruelty, and arrogance, representing the destructive power of fire made manifest. These ancient creatures rule through fear and violence, considering themselves the ultimate apex predators and viewing all other beings as either potential threats to eliminate or resources to exploit. Their scales shimmer like heated metal, and their very presence raises the ambient temperature of their surroundings.
Among chromatic dragons, reds are often considered the most powerful and certainly the most aggressive. They establish territories in mountainous regions where they can overlook vast domains, particularly favoring volcanic areas that complement their fiery nature. Red dragons collect treasure with obsessive dedication, particularly favoring gold, gems, and magical items that enhance their already formidable power.
Combat Tactics
Red dragons are devastating combatants who prefer overwhelming force and intimidation. They open battles with their terrifying presence, attempting to scatter weaker enemies before unleashing their fire breath in devastating cones. Ancient reds can melt stone and metal with their breath, while their physical attacks can crush even heavily armored foes.
These dragons use their flight advantage ruthlessly, staying airborne to avoid ground-based attacks while raining fire down on enemies. They employ their spellcasting abilities to enhance their combat effectiveness, using spells like wall of fire to control the battlefield and counterspell to neutralize enemy magic users. When pressed, they retreat to advantageous positions rather than fight to the death.
Encounter Ideas
1. The Volcanic Tyrant A red dragon has claimed an active volcano as its lair, forcing nearby settlements to pay tribute or face destruction. The dragon's presence has awakened dormant volcanic activity, threatening to bury entire regions under ash and lava unless the creature is somehow appeased or defeated.
2. The Corporate Dragon In an urban setting, an ancient red dragon operates through a vast business empire, using economic warfare and corporate espionage instead of claws and fire. The party must navigate boardrooms and legal battles to confront this modern incarnation of draconic greed.
3. The Awakening Giant A red dragon that has slumbered for centuries awakens to find the world changed, its former territory now populated by civilizations. Enraged by this 'theft' of its domain, the dragon begins a campaign of destruction to reclaim what it considers rightfully its own.
4. The Dragon's Gambit A cunning red dragon manipulates two warring kingdoms into escalating conflict, planning to emerge from the devastation as the ruler of a combined realm. The party must uncover the dragon's involvement while preventing a catastrophic war.
Environmental Effects
- Extreme Heat: The dragon's presence raises temperatures dramatically, making survival difficult and causing fires to spread rapidly
- Volcanic Activity: In mountainous or volcanic regions, the dragon's power can trigger eruptions and reshape the landscape
- Thermal Updrafts: Hot air currents around the dragon enhance its flying ability and can affect weather patterns
- Melted Stone: The dragon's breath can permanently alter terrain, creating glass fields and molten rivers
Treasure
- Vast Hoard (100,000+ gp): Enormous collection of gold, gems, and precious metals accumulated over centuries
- Ancient Artifacts (varies): Powerful magical items claimed from defeated enemies and conquered territories
- Dragon Scale Mail (25,000 gp): Armor crafted from the dragon's shed scales, providing fire resistance
- Molten Gems (5,000-15,000 gp): Rare crystalline formations created by the dragon's intense heat
- Tribute Collections (varies): Wealth regularly provided by terrorized settlements and kingdoms
Plot Hooks
1. The Dragon's Heir A red dragon has taken a human settlement under its 'protection,' demanding tribute but also defending it from other threats. The party must determine whether this represents genuine change or a more sophisticated form of tyranny.
2. The Sleeping Furnace Miners have awakened a young red dragon buried beneath a mountain, and its rage threatens to trigger a volcanic eruption. The party must either relocate the dragon or find a way to calm its fury before geological disaster strikes.
3. The Dragon's Revenge A red dragon seeks vengeance against the descendants of heroes who once drove it from its lair. The party becomes involved when they discover they're related to these ancient heroes, making them targets in the dragon's generational quest for retribution.
4. The Fire Prophet A red dragon has convinced a cult that it is a divine being of fire and destruction. The party must expose the dragon's true nature while dealing with fanatical followers who believe the creature's reign will herald a new age of purification.